Top 11 Tokyo Calligraphy Workshops

1.Calligraphy on Kanji Fan & Scroll with Drink

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 210 reviews · 1h 20m · from $53Our pick

At Shodo Cafe 7557, three minutes from Roppongi Station, English-speaking instructors such as Kana and Tomi guide you through basic brush strokes, kanji meanings, and practice before you write on a fan and hanging scroll. Enjoy a drink, make a hiragana hanko stamp, and take home your artwork and several kanji keepsakes.

“Kana was great. Very helpful and fun. Great value for the money with a whole bag full of stuff. She might send a follow up message asking what the other persons name is. This is so she can create a sheet with you first name and its meaning. If you want another word for you to do, mention it there.”

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2.Let’s experience calligraphy in YANAKA, Taito-ku, TOKYO !!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 127 reviews · from $75

Spend about an hour learning calligraphy at the YANESEN Tourist Information & Culture Center in Yanaka. A sensei guides you through basic brush strokes, then helps you practice a character or word of your choice and finish it on a Shikishi board. The lesson is private for your group, and a T-shirt with your name in kanji may also be an option.

“Chiē, our sensei for the calligraphy lesson, was really kind, patient and explained us how to do calligraphy step by step. We experienced before the final result and she was perfectly guiding us to understand where we did mistakes. I highly recommend to spend time with Chiē to learn more about a part of japanese culture!”

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3.Calligraphy Workshop & Original T-Shirt Creation

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 105 reviews · 2 hours · from $30

In Shinjuku, a professional calligrapher teaches you to grind ink, practice brushwork, and turn your name into kanji. An English-speaking host helps explain the language and techniques. Take home your artwork, or add your calligraphy to an optional T-shirt, which costs extra.

“It was really interesting to discover new things and learn a little more about the calligraphy. The staff was really nice.”

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4.Experience all of Japanese culture and Japanese food experience classes “origami, udon, Japanese food, green tea, calligraphy” in 4 hours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 105 reviews · from $92

Join Taka and Keiko for a four-hour visit to their Tokyo home, starting with origami and hands-on udon making, then preparing sushi, gyoza and tempura for lunch. You’ll share matcha and Japanese sweets, and Keiko will write your name in calligraphy on colored paper to take home. Drinks are included, with vegetarian and vegan ingredients available.

“Taka and Keiko are wonderful hosts. They are friendly, inquisitive, welcoming and full of information. Our noodle making experience was delightful and a little unexpected with a fun surprise. All food was delicious. I learned a lot and can’t wait to make the recipes at home. Thank you for such a great experience”

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5.Calligraphy Workshop & Original T-Shirt Creation

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 80 reviews · from $33

In Shinjuku, a professional calligrapher guides you through grinding ink, practicing brushwork, and turning your name into kanji. You’ll make artwork to take home, with the option to write your design on a T-shirt for an extra ¥4,000. The workshop lasts about two hours and is guided in English.

“The Calligraphy session was amazing, I was alone in the class and the teacher was so nice and professional, and answered all my questions. the team helped translateing and was very helpful and kind! They took me to a calligraphy shRead more”

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6.Calligraphy &Make your original folding fan in Asakusa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 30 - 90 minutes · from $16Best value

In Asakusa, English-speaking instructor Mana introduces Japanese calligraphy, hiragana and brush technique. You’ll melt solid ink, practice strokes on guide paper, choose a design for an original folding fan, and write a postcard to yourself over green tea. Plan on 30 to 90 minutes, depending on your pace.

“We've highly enjoyed learning and practicing calligraphy with Mana Sensei! She was very patient, kind and lovely. Also her english is amazing so its easy talking with her. You'll be able to learn how to write your name in kanji and other beautiful Japanese kanji. You can draw them on a fan or framed paper to take home with you! Merci beaucoup Mana Sensei for you knowledges! 😄”

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7.Calligraphy Workshop Craft Your Own Art in Asakusa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 58 reviews · 1h 30m · from $38

In a small-group, 90-minute calligraphy workshop at Tokyo Tourist Lounge Asakusa, English-speaking instructor Mei introduces brush control, stroke order, and the history of Japanese calligraphy. Practice with traditional brushes and a fude pen, then make a personal piece to take home. No experience is needed.

“Fantastic session with Mei. She is so helpful, friendly and informative. We've learnt a lot about shodo calligraphy and more about the culture and history of Japan. A calm and peaceful activity in the midst of hectic Tokyo! We feel refreshed. Many thanks, Mei!”

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8.Calligraphy Experience with yukata or Samue

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · 1h 30m · from $64

In this 90-minute Tokyo class, an English- or French-speaking instructor guides you through brush basics, kanji and the meaning behind the characters. You can wear a yukata or Samue, practise before making a final piece to take home, and pause for Japanese tea. Classes are limited to 10 people.

“This was a very nice experience! We enjoyed it very much. We were very warmly welcome and greated with tea and snacks. It was super fun to dress up in Kimono and Samui. We learned the basics and draw our own Kanij. The teacher was really competent with amazing artistic talent. The final art came out beautifully.”

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9.Calligraphy & print your calligraphy on a T-shirt.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · 1 hour - 90 minutes · from $48

Mana guides you through Japanese characters, brush technique and ink making before you practice on thin paper and choose a design for a T-shirt. The 60 to 90 minute English-language class includes green tea and a postcard, with time to explore Asakusa while your shirt is printed.

“I enjoyed this activity a lot! Mana-san, the host, was extremely gracious, and gave me a lot of time to practice and a lot of pointers. I had a lot of fun, and I will continue to do Shodo on my own time.”

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10.Japanese Calligraphy Lesson with Skilled Instructor

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 1 hour · from $45

In Asakusa, calligraphy instructor Shusuke leads a one-hour, small-group lesson for up to four people. Choose a word or phrase, practice it on 20 sheets of hanshi paper, then write it on an uchiwa fan, shikishi board, or kakemono scroll. Meanings are explained in English, and you’ll finish with a photo of your work.

“An amazing experience! Very intimate and relaxed. A private room and a calming activity. Shusuke was brilliant, very knowledgable and calm. He took lots of photographs and offered to help us with any questions. Easy to find the meeting point and great communication! Would definitely recommend 😊”

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11.Tokyo：Calligraphy & Zen Mindful Journey+Take Home Memory

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $67

Spend about two hours learning calligraphy, exploring Kanji chosen to suit you, and creating a hanging scroll to keep. The experience includes a Zen component and a photo in a kimono. SHODO-only plans offer a choice of Tokyo locations by email; otherwise, the meeting point is Hiroo Station. A preparatory video explains the silent format.

“The teacher was very encouraging and understanding and helped me to find the best expression of the kanji through many attempts.”

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